10 Common Health Problems In Pomeranians and How to Prevent them

If you’re planning on getting a Pomeranian, here’s a great article to get a hold of to know the most common health problems in Pomeranians.

Taking care of a dog will give your daily life more energy and excitement and give you a feeling of accomplishment. It is also essential to keep in mind that getting a dog means additional responsibilities as you will be taking care of a living being.

Before adopting a new dog, it is advised to research the breed, such as their lifestyle, how to train them, their diet, and other essential factors. It is also vital that you know the common Pomeranian health issues that may affect your dog while growing up.

It is also interesting to know their life expectancy and the things that you can do to ensure they live a happy, healthy, and long life.

If you are looking for a small, fluffy furbaby that is smart, obedient, and active, then a Pomeranian is perfect for you!

Read on as we will be discussing the common pomeranian health issues and the treatment for these. More importantly, we believe that prevention is better than cure, so we will be tackling what we can do to avoid these issues.

Overview of the Pomeranian

Pomeranians also called Poms, are feisty small toy dog breeds that are very friendly among humans and other pets. Many pet parents take care of a Pomeranian due to their loyalty and cute appearance. Although they have a small build, they can be a great house dog thanks to their bravery. 

Standing at around 15 to 30 cm, this breed is well known for its fluff around its neck. They have a double coat, one soft and thin inner coat, and one thicker more prominent top coat. If you are not a fan of frequent vacuuming, then a Pom is not for you as they shed tremendously.

Pomeranians are great when it comes to socialization with people and other pets. They love meeting new people and befriending other animals they meet. Despite this friendly demeanor, they are excellent as watchdogs and will start to bark fearlessly if sensing any danger due to their curiosity and alertness. 

Like most dog breeds, Poms need to be trained to socialize while they are still puppies. Exposing them to different people, environments, and skills while they are young will help in ensuring that they will grow up as excellent dogs.

If you like taking your pom everywhere you go even on long trips, you can get a pet stroller that will help in giving him a break whenever you feel he is getting tired throughout the journey. You can check our article on the best pet strollers to help you decide on which one to buy.

Top 10 Most Common Pomeranian Health Issues

Pomeranians are generally healthy and can live for around 12 to 16 years. Nevertheless, like many dog breeds, they can still suffer from health risks that need to be taken care of immediately.

Once your furbaby has reached his geriatric age, pomeranian health problems after age 7 to 9 will become more possible. During this age, it is advisable to bring him for a check-up with your vet twice a year to check if any health risks are present.  

As pet parents, it is our job to care for our dogs, especially when they are sick. This section will discuss the most common health issues a Pomeranian may have and how to treat them. The knowledge of these health concerns, the symptoms, and the causes, will significantly help you in preventing these health risks.

1.  Patella Luxation

This health concern is common in many toy dog breeds, such as Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Pugs, and Pomeranian. The main culprit for this patella luxation, also known as slipping kneecaps, is genetics and how the bones are structured. This will make them prone to early osteoarthritis.

Found within the tendon of thigh muscles are the patella or kneecaps. The tendon is a tough inelastic band of tissue joining the bony attachment and the muscle.

If you notice that your pomeranian has back leg problems then they most likely have patella luxation, the patella will be loose and will move back and forth underneath the tendons.

The kneecap or the patella is a small bone in the knee area, hiding beneath the thigh muscles’ tendon. If your Pomeranian has patella luxation, the kneecaps get dislocated and start to slip in and out of this tendon.

He will limp on the affected leg either the front or back leg, and occasionally stretch it in an attempt to reassign the kneecap to its place.

It is advised to have your furbaby’s patella checked yearly to see if it is sliding in and out of the tendon, as it can progress worse as years pass by. If your furbaby is diagnosed with Patella Luxation, the only option for treatment is knee surgery.

How to Prevent Patella Luxation?

To prevent this health risk, you have to be keen when it comes to diet and exercise. By properly feeding your Pom with a well-balanced diet, they will have less risk of having calcium deficiency, which affects their bone strength. 

Pomeranians should have patellas evaluated yearly as grading can become progressively worse with age.

By providing regular exercise, their limbs, and joints strengthen. However,  strenuous jumping exercises can be harsh to their small limbs, so mild running will do.

There are also oral joint supplements for dogs that will not heal the luxation but will help delay the onset of arthritis after surgery and relieve pain and inflammation when the luxation happens or even after.

A supplement like Jope Joint chews is a good choice for Patella Luxation.

2.  Tracheal Collapse

Another common health risk for small dogs is Tracheal Collapse. The trachea (or the windpipe) is made up of a circular group of cartilage, which allows mammals to breathe.

If these get weakened, they could collapse, resulting in becoming narrower. This makes your dog breathe harder due to the development of dry and harsh coughing and gagging.

There are three significant causes of tracheal collapse. Genetic disposition from over-breeding, infection, or obesity. Also, sometimes if the trachea gets constricted often because of a tight collar, it may result in tracheal collapse.

When it comes to treatment, it varies depending on the cause (genetics, infection, or obesity). Cough suppressants can help reduce irritation and inflammation from coughing.

Steroids are also a treatment option to reduce inflammation. If tracheal collapse is caused by obesity then weight loss is the first thing you should tackle.

Tracheal collapse is usually mild and can be treated easily but when symptoms are critical, surgery may be an option.

Affected dogs may cough after drinking water due to the changes in pressure in the tracheal column in addition to the discomfort caused.

How to Prevent Tracheal Collapse?

You can’t do much if the cause is a genetic disposition.

But you can prevent your Pom from having a tracheal collapse by using a harness instead of a collar. Also, keep in mind that obese Poms have greater chances of a Collapsed Trachea, so exercise and a proper diet are necessary.

3.  Pharyngeal Gag Reflex

Pharyngeal gag reflex, or reverse sneezing, occurs when they suddenly have a rapid and forceful inhalation of air through their nose. Reverse sneezing got its name because Poms who have experienced this sound like they are attempting to take in a sneeze.

There are various causes for reverse sneezings, such as teeth infections, nasal irritation, and air irritants such as smoke, and pollen. Another reason for this health risk is an irritated larynx or palate, which can cause spasms in those areas. 

4.  Coat Loss

• Severe Hair Loss Syndrome

A coat loss risk known as Severe Hair Loss Syndrome (SHLS) can be a risk for Pomeranians. The fur will start to grow, looking normal, but as time passes by, it will begin to thin out, more prominent around the back and bottom area.

• Alopecia X

Alopecia X, also known as Black Skin Disease usually happens on puppies when there are excessive coats with no guard hairs that do not shed. When these coats are shed, there are still guard hairs left that can be irritating to them. 

Another version of a similar condition happens at a later age, where the fur will start to grow, looking normal, but as time passes by, it will begin to thin out, starting from the back, and moving towards the bottom area. It is important to have the coat examined and determine the underlying issue to avoid worsening the risk.

Although we don’t really know what causes alopecia X, altered sex hormone metabolism can be a primary suggestive underlying cause.

Melatonin is a recommended treatment to stimulate hair growth.

How to Prevent Coat Loss?

The most effective way to prevent this health risk is through proper grooming and bathing.

5.  Hypothyroidism 

Thyroid glands produce thyroxine that all mammal bodies require and if it fails to manufacture enough, it can lead to hypothyroidism and itchiness. Unfortunately, this health risk is a common disease for Poms.

The following are the usual symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Lower than-average body temperature
• Depression
• Low energy
• Dry thinning Hair Loss and loss of hair
• Abnormal thickening of the skin
• Skin discoloration
• Infections due to bacteria 

To determine if the cause is hypothyroidism, first, the dogs will get their T3 and T4 tested by their veterinarian. Blood tests will get more accurate results because the symptoms stated above can also be caused by other canine health risks. Once determined that it is in fact hypothyroidism, your vet will most likely prescribe thyroxine medication.

Most dogs do not experience a low body temperature but they would have a very low tolerance to cold temperatures.

How to Prevent Hypothyroidism?

To prevent hypothyroidism, it is vital to keep the thyroids healthy. There are numerous multivitamins that contain Vitamin A, Vitamin D, zinc, and iodine that help in maintaining the flow of thyroxine in the body. 

Also, adding more fiber to your dog’s diet can greatly increase the chances of preventing hypothyroidism. You can incorporate asparagus, green beans, spinach, and carrots which are rich in fiber.

6.  Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease, also known as Hyperadrenocorticism, is common for canines who suffer from great amounts of stress and anxiety. This disease results in high levels of a hormone called cortisol and are usually accompanied by a tumor.

The following are the usual symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Extreme thirst
• Excessive panting
• Increase in appetite
• Bloated stomach
• Lethargic
• Loss of hair
• Skin infections
• Infertility
• Obesity

Cushing’s disease can mostly affect adult dogs. Some puppies can contract it but the symptoms only appear once they reach adulthood.

If you can mark a check to the symptoms on the list above, call your vet as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Cushing’s Disease is not preventable; thus, once you have seen the symptoms, reach out to your vet immediately. 

7.  Heart Disease

Heart disease is common in all dogs and should be taken seriously even if it is just mild. Similar to human heart risks, Pomeranians can suffer from it if they have a poor genetic history, and poor lifestyles, such as obesity, lack of exercise, and little socialization.

How to Prevent Heart Disease?

With complete and nutritious meals, regular exercise, and routine checkups, dogs can prevent heart disease. 

8.  Idiopathic Epilepsy

Yes, you read that right! Canines can get epilepsy and seizures, too! There is one major difference between a seizure and epilepsy, frequency. If your pomeranian experienced it once or multiple times, it is a seizure. If it is ongoing, it is epilepsy.

The main triggering factors of Idiopathic Epilepsy are:

• Head injury
• Severe low blood sugar
• Water on the brain (hydrocephalic)

The main reason why some Pomeranians get head injuries is because of improper handling, resulting in risky drops.

Another reason is when a Pomeranian is left alone on a bed that is too high. Due to their small stature, they are most likely to fall over the bed and risk head injury.

When treating idiopathic epilepsy, the vet will rule out the triggering factors first. And since there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy, vets usually prescribe anti-convulsants to regulate or decrease the frequency and severity of the seizures.

How to Prevent Idiopathic Epilepsy?

Since head injury is the number one cause of Idiopathic Epilepsy, it is recommended to have your home safe for dogs. Keep their bed in a low area, and eliminate objects that could be a risk for the head to bump into.

9.  Idiopathic Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is having very low blood sugar, and it is more common than you think. Glucose is the sugar that can be found in our body that is created when food is digested. 

Hypoglycemia is mostly caused by poor diet and insufficient food for puppies. When a puppy requires to move more, usually when doing physical activities such as exercise and walking, they need more glucose to function.

A young puppy with hypoglycemia will lack energy since glucose fuels the body for energy. Without the energy-giving glucose, the puppy will begin to feel weak and lethargic. In severe cases, the puppy might even get a seizure, and in extreme cases, can become comatose and lethal.

Poms should undergo a blood glucose test first to have an accurate measurement of their blood glucose. This will help the vet know the right dosage for the treatment.

Intravenous or oral dextrose can be administered, and the vet will also advise on the quantity of carbohydrates the pom should have in a day.

How to Prevent Idiopathic Hypoglycemia?

With proper diet and exercise, Poms can live healthily without suffering from Idiopathic Hypoglycemia. It is advisable to give your furbaby small regular meals frequently, rather than three big meals in a day. 

10. Cataracts

Cataracts limit your Pom’s ability to assess distances. Symptoms are cloudy eyes and swelling or discoloration around the eyes.

Cataracts are often likely to lead to blindness, so it is urgent to contact your vet for treatment and possible surgery as soon as you recognize the symptoms.

Unfortunately, cataracts are not preventable; thus, observing your dog’s eyes regularly is vital as they get older.

Taking care of this dog breed has risks because of Pomeranians’ possible common health problems, but it is all worth it.

The fulfillment you will get from having an adorable, life-long canine buddy is the best reward you could ask for.

Do you have any tips and tricks in mind that you would like us to tackle in the next article? Comment down below! 

Written By

Dr. Christine Awing (DVM)

Christine is a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine. As the in-house vet and writer for Furs'n'Paws, Christine shares her extensive knowledge and expertise on all things pet-related, with a particular focus on small animals such as dogs and cats. In addition, she runs her own clinic in the Philippines and volunteers at a local organization to help stray pets. Her commitment to animal health is evident in her writing style, which makes her an invaluable resource for pet owners and animal lovers.

Written By

Laura Nassoura

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.